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Chris Evans has said he is hopeful that former Newcastle United star Paul Gascoigne can get through his latest struggle with ill-health and addiction.

The former England player was recently flown to a rehab clinic in the America after footage emerged of him on stage looking distressed and incoherent.

Friends of the footballer, including Radio 2 DJ Evans, have paid for Gascoigne, who has fought a public battle with alcohol since the end of his playing days, to go to the US.

Gascoigne has received financial support from current Premier League stars and celebrities including Piers Morgan.

"I get regular updates but I haven't had one for a couple of days - he's still in intensive care as far as I know. I don't get busy where that's concerned - I leave all that to the experts but I should have another update today.

I'm feeling hopeful, otherwise I wouldn't be doing it. We've got to help him if we can."

The Football Association and the England Footballers' Foundation have donated £40,000 to help former football star Paul Gascoigne.

Gazza is currently fighting against his alcohol addiction at a clinic in Arizona, where he is said to be making good progress.

However, as he continues to try and battle his demons, one man who knows exactly what he is going through says that the key to his recovery will be whether he can ever get any privacy and lead a normal life.

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Former Newcastle United player Joey Barton has taken to Twitter to voice his concerns that Paul Gascoigne could be dead before the end of 2013 unless the former England star's friends give him the right support in his battle against alcoholism.

Gascoigne was admitted to an intensive care unit over the weekend after he suffered complications while receiving treatment for his addiction to alcohol in a clinic in Arizona.

The former Tottenham, Newcastle, Rangers, Everton and Lazio midfielder has battled alcoholism for large parts of his life and he was admitted to the specialist clinic following his latest relapse.

Barton has also experienced troubles related to alcoholism in the past and he today gave a grim assessment of Gascoigne's predicament on Twitter.

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Ex-England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been admitted to a treatment centre in the United States.

The alcoholic former Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Newcastle United star, 45, has "willingly" been admitted to an un-named centre, his management company said tonight.

The move came after fears for the Italia 90 and Euro 96 legend when he appeared unwell and shaking during a charity appearance in Northampton last week, when he broke down sobbing on stage in front of a room full of fans.

In a statement, GamePlan Solutions said Gazza had been touched by the help and support shown by fans and figures within football over the past few days.

Alcoholic Paul Gascoigne has been experiencing a tough time of late.

He has been asking for help and has willingly been admitted to a treatment centre in America.

He has complex issues that are currently being dealt with by professionals.

Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days.

He is motivated to fully understand and control his addiction problem under guidance.